Information for New Research Staff

Conducting innovative research is part of our mission, and the value given to research is evident in the support given to the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia research community. We recognize that researchers operate collaboratively, and can benefit from an enhanced sense of community.

Many community-building events are provided to give researchers the opportunity to interact and learn about the work of their colleagues. In addition to special events such as the annual CHOP Research Scientific Symposium and Clinical Research Week, frequent events – like the monthly Faculty Luncheons, which feature scientific presentations by distinguished investigators; Town Hall meetings that bring faculty and principal investigators up-to-date on what is happening in Research and provide a forum for faculty to ask questions and raise concerns; administrative staff meetings; and a brown bag lunch series for clinical research staff and for the staff of the core facilities – give employees of The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute the opportunity to maintain and develop new working relationships. In addition, the Core Technologies Seminar Series introduces the community to new methods, technologies and equipment that can enhance ongoing and planned research.

Communication is another essential component for an effective research enterprise, and communication is a highly valued aspect of our day-to-day work. Bench to Bedside provides a monthly overview of notable research findings, new programs, publications, grant awards, faculty honors, new employees, changes within the CHOP Research Institute, and updates on external policy changes. The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute Digest is a weekly announcement service for interested employees and is accessible on the CHOP Research Institute employee intranet.

To ensure that your working experience is rewarding and dynamic, we provide an array of educational opportunities. Scientific seminars and meetings provide a forum for researchers to learn more about the research of their colleagues. The Center for Career Development offers hundreds of on-site courses – computer classes, continuing education credits, leadership development, Spanish language classes and more. The Hospital provides accelerated degrees in a partnership with Rosemont College School of Continuing Studies at a discounted rate. Peirce College discounts its tuition rate for Hospital employees, their spouses and dependents who enroll in a degree program at Peirce. In addition, the Hospital maintains educational partnerships with Drexel University and Villanova University that enable nurses to take undergraduate, graduate and certificate program courses at reduced rates. The Hospital also offers a tuition reimbursement program for undergraduate and graduate courses at accredited, degree-granting institutions.

The Hospital and its Research Institute also participate in many volunteer and philanthropy activities to show support to our patients, colleagues and community. These activities include blood donation drives, community outreach programs like Reach Out and Read, and organized walks and other special events to benefit research.